IRVINE – Crystal Bond has learned not to take simple tasks for granted. Little things like jumping out of bed in the morning, showering, and leaving for school in a few minutes.

Bond, 30, said her boyfriend has taught her not to pass judgment on people who struggle.

"Sometimes kids take a half an hour just to get out of bed," Bond's boyfriend, Matthew Barmer, 29, said of children with arthritis.

The two were among about 3,000 people who took part in the OC Arthritis 5K Walk, a fundraiser Sunday at UC Irvine.

Barmer was diagnosed with arthritis at age 6. Today he is co-director of Camp Esperanza, whose five-day program teaches arthritic children leadership and coping skills.Ã¢â¬Â¨

The UC Irvine walk is the local version of the national Arthritis Foundation's signature event in communities nationwide. It raises funds to fight arthritis and raises awareness of the nation's No. 1 cause of disability.

Participants who raised more than $200 were able to take part in the amped-up Warrior Walk agility course, a new feature this year.

The goal of this year's walk was to raise $650,000, said Teresa Dinh, executive director of the OC Arthritis Foundation.

Joanna Monzon, 32, of Orange, was walking for her mom, Nancy Monzon, 62.

Nancy was diagnosed with arthritis 20 years ago and suffers every day, especially in winter.

Although her mom takes medication, it's hard on her liver, Joanna said.

San Clemente High School cheerleaders encourage participants at the start of the Arthritis 5K at UC Irvine on Sunday. About 3,000 walkers took part. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
About 3,000 participants pass through the starting line of the Orange County Arthritis Walk with cheers of encouragement Sunday at UC Irvine. Teresa Dinh, executive director of the OC Arthritis Foundation, said the goal is to raise $650,000. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Casey Williams of Anaheim bonds with Peanut after the Orange County Arthritis Walk at UC Irvine. He was on team Keep Calm and Rough It. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Photos of people afflicted with arthritus line the 5K route, as a reminder of the cause during the Orange County Walk Arthritis at UC Irvine. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Joe Rzepiejewski with Boy Scout Troop 772 from Laguna Niguel, takes part in the Orange County Arthritis Warrior Walk. The Warrior portion of the 5K was introduced this year for those raising more than $200 and it includes an obstacle course. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Corey Saito's feet leave the ground as he takes part in the Warrior Walk, a new feature at the Orange County Arthritis Walk, for those who raise more than $200. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
San Clemente High School cheerleaders Andrea Stein, at left, and Jordan Humes, both 13, tumble down an inflatable slide after the Orange County Arthritis Walk at UC Irvine. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
About 3,000 participants pass through the starting line of the Orange County Arthritis Walk with cheers of encouragement Sunday at UC Irvine. Teresa Dinh, executive director of the OC Arthritis Foundation, said the goal is to raise $650,000. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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